1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

Need tips on audio recording

January 30, 2019 03:16AM
I need some advise on what is the best way to complete an audio recording on a smartphone. I’ve never done audio recorded shops before and I have an upcoming shop that requires me to record it with my smartphone. It’s a retail shop. Should I hold it in my hand? In my pocket? Please help. Thanks!
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

January 30, 2019 03:22AM
I hold it in my hand the entire time.... make sure you have the phone in “airplane mode” as an incoming call could otherwise turn the recording off.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
Reply
January 30, 2019 03:27AM
Since it’s retail, the associate will be showing me products. Do you think it’ll be weird that I will still be holding my phone in my hand? Airplane mode is a great tip. Thanks!

@MFJohnston wrote:

I hold it in my hand the entire time.... make sure you have the phone in “airplane mode” as an incoming call could otherwise turn the recording off.
Reply
January 30, 2019 03:33AM
I hold my phone in my hand, or lay it on the counter or associate's desk.

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt
Reply
January 30, 2019 03:33AM
I don’t do much retail....I would test it at home in various pockets to make sure you get good sound if you don’t think the hands will work. Will the sound be muffled out in a pocket? Will the microphone rub on your clothes, creating an awful sound that disrupts the recording? Is there a risk of the buttons being pushed in a pocket? Etc.

I always keep the phone in my hands and switch hands as needed.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/2019 03:15PM by MFJohnston.
Reply
January 30, 2019 02:19PM
Thank you MFJohnston and KathyG. I’ll do some test today.
Reply
January 31, 2019 07:06AM
I put it in my shirt pocket. I have used PCMrecorder for years, and that app is not interrupted by phone calls.
Reply
January 31, 2019 03:04PM
Don't put it in your pocket because the sound will be muffled. Make sure that the mic is pointed in the right direction. It won't look weird that you are holding your phone because people do it all of the time in the real world.
Reply
January 31, 2019 03:32PM
I purchased a wallet case for my phone off of Amazon for $7. I just carry my phone in my hand in the wallet case.
Reply
January 31, 2019 06:09PM
@Whatfun14LF wrote:

Don't put it in your pocket because the sound will be muffled. Make sure that the mic is pointed in the right direction.
I have recorded with my phone in my pocket for years. The sound has always been clear and sharp. Maybe it was your app that caused your recording to sound muffled. I use PCMrecorder. I do not use the recorder that comes with the phone.
Reply
January 31, 2019 06:31PM
I am also guessing that it makes a difference what type of pocket you use.... I would be very hesitant to shove the phone into my jeans pocket without doing a lot of testing first.

@AZwolfman wrote:

@Whatfun14LF wrote:

Don't put it in your pocket because the sound will be muffled. Make sure that the mic is pointed in the right direction.
I have recorded with my phone in my pocket for years. The sound has always been clear and sharp. Maybe it was your app that caused your recording to sound muffled. I use PCMrecorder. I do not use the recorder that comes with the phone.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
Reply
January 31, 2019 07:00PM
Yeah, I use my phone recorder so that seems to make a difference.
Reply
January 31, 2019 07:15PM
LOL, MF Johnston! I had not thought of that, but someone has probably tried it. Perhaps I should clarify that I always put my phone in my shirt pocket.
Reply
January 31, 2019 08:14PM
I did some testing with my phone today and it seemed like holding in my hand came out with the best results. When it was in my jacket pocket, it made a lot of the weird sound, I guess from the rubbing off the clothing, although if I stood still, it was quite good. On another note, I don't know why but while I was recording, my phone's screen kept turning on, showing the recording app. This happened when I switched hands or move it around. Any ideas? Technology is not my strong suit...
Reply
January 31, 2019 08:15PM
I like this idea. Something to consider if I can't get my screen to stay dark!

@Lauraphx wrote:

I purchased a wallet case for my phone off of Amazon for $7. I just carry my phone in my hand in the wallet case.
Reply
January 31, 2019 08:18PM
If you are a female, find a handbag with a slot on the side. My Samsung phone fits snugly within, microphone exposed. Audio works great. If you are male...a murse...man bag...leather binder with a similar slot/pocket?
Reply
February 05, 2019 03:57AM
Great idea too but I don’t have a bag with a slot on the side. I got another tip from a friend and that is to use my headphones, have it around my neck and utilize the mic on the headphones.

@nslinhar wrote:

If you are a female, find a handbag with a slot on the side. My Samsung phone fits snugly within, microphone exposed. Audio works great. If you are male...a murse...man bag...leather binder with a similar slot/pocket?
Reply
February 06, 2019 09:27AM
I have a fancy little pouch with a zipper on top. I keep my audio recorder in there. I don't use a phone but you could do the same with a phone. It has a longish cord on it so it hangs down above my waist. and it records wonderfully although tonight"s job must have been extra noisy as there was lots of interference. I used to use a shirt pocket but they started making women's shirts with no pockets or smaller and smaller pockets.
Reply
February 07, 2019 12:12AM
@MFJohnston wrote:

I hold it in my hand the entire time.... make sure you have the phone in “airplane mode” as an incoming call could otherwise turn the recording off.

thx. didn't know that !
Reply
February 09, 2019 11:19PM
@yappy4 wrote:

On another note, I don't know why but while I was recording, my phone's screen kept turning on, showing the recording app. This happened when I switched hands or move it around. Any ideas? Technology is not my strong suit...

After I activating my recorder(using an Android phone), I minimize it and only a microphone icon is shown in the notification area. You could also go through your photos and display a picture of your child, pet, or favorite vacation picture.
Reply
February 14, 2019 03:02PM
Hi! Just a quick update. I completed my audio recording shop with the phone in my hand. It went well and the shop was accepted. Thank you so much for all the tips! You guys are awesome!
Reply
February 14, 2019 04:08PM
@yappy4 wrote:

I did some testing with my phone today and it seemed like holding in my hand came out with the best results. When it was in my jacket pocket, it made a lot of the weird sound, I guess from the rubbing off the clothing, although if I stood still, it was quite good. On another note, I don't know why but while I was recording, my phone's screen kept turning on, showing the recording app. This happened when I switched hands or move it around. Any ideas? Technology is not my strong suit...


Buy a wallet case. The screen will be covered and doesn't interfer with the sound.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login